Memories flooded Jack's mind, flashing before his eyes like pieces of a jigzaw puzzle. Battles, places, weapons, faces. Young soldiers tortured and dying in an Iragi prison. His friend staked to the muddy ground of a faraway jungle, trying not to scream while being tortured. Blue eyes! Blue eyes that looked at him with repect and trust. Blue eyes that pleaded with him for help. NO!

"See with your heart O'Neill."

Squeezing his eyes shut, Jack pressed his hands to his head but the images wouldn't stop. Not Daniel! He hadn't known Daniel in those black periods of time. Daniel wasn't a soldier but Daniel had been at his side through battles no one but the highest officials would ever hear about. Daniel had been at his side, supporting Jack through his own darkest, most personal battles but he hadn't been in the war that raged on the other side of the world.

"Jak?..." His name, spoken so softly it almost didn't penetrate the sights and sounds whirling around his befuddled brain, brought him back to the present. His heart pounding in his ears, Jack forced himself to open his eyes. No jungle vines or trees. No rain or mud or bullets . Just silence, four walls and the unbelievably battered body of an innocent scientist.

"Oh God noooo!" Tears streaming down his face, he crawled to Daniel and gathered his friend in his arms, trying desperately to wipe away the blood. He couldn't bring himself to check for a pulse, terrified of the answer. There was nothing he could do now, except hold his friend and pray he'd have the chance to beg Daniel's forgiveness.

Gathering her strength, Shelaya closed her eyes and inhaling deeply, again released her mind to join with those surrounded by the evil that had come to Apakia.

"Jack...pl-please..don't...please." Daniel's mumbled pleading cut into Jack, smashing an already broken heart. "Please...don't..hu-hurt me..me anymore."

"It's alright Danny," O'Neill soothed, one hand gently stroking the blood caked hair. "No one's ever going to hurt you again...Never again."

Furious, Nurti paced the room. How was it these worthless Tau'ri had become formidable enemies. The destroyers of Ra, they had brought down Apophis and interfered with her plans to conquer Chronos causing her dishonor among the system lords. Surveying what remained of her property, she had been seeking a place in which to rebuild her forces when she came to this pitiful planet. The old priest had been more than happy to please his goddess, telling her of the Tau'ri's visit and intended return. Nurti' had waited patiently to claim her vengence and now even that seemed to be failing.

"Put them with the others and bring me the old one!"

"Sir?" Unresponsive, his face devoid of color, eyes staring blankly ahead, Jack cradled Daniel in his arms gently rocking back and forth whispering soothingly. With trembling fingers, Carter felt for Daniel's pulse, exhaling in relief at the faint steady heartbeat.

"Sir?"

"O'Neill?" Teal'c had discovered the panel hiding the water source and filled the cup from Jack's food tray.

"I think he's in shock." Carter took the cup and holding it to his mouth compeled Jack to drink. "Colonel?...Colonel I need to check Daniel...Colonel!" Taking his face in her hands Sam forced him to look at her, fear creeping through her when his eyes still didn't focus. "Colonel listen to me. You have to let me check Daniel's injuries." His arms tightened automatically as she attempted to loosen his grip. "JACK!! You have to snap out of this. Daniel needs you! He's hurt and he needs your help or he may die! Do you understand me!"

Jack blinked. Sam? Carter's face slowly came into focus. What was she saying...Daniel? Daniel needed him? His eyes were drawn to the unconscious man cradled against him, his head resting against Jack's chest, one hand gripping the front of Jack's SGC jacket.

"D-Danny?"

"Colonel...let us see if we can help him sir." Sam gently loosened his grip enough to turn Daniel's head. Unfortunately from what she could see, there was little they could do for him. He needed Janet. Both eyes were swollen shut, new cuts added blood to the earlier gashes, his shoulder dislocated. Without supplies or even a first aid kit they were essentially helpless to do anything but reset the shoulder and it was best to do it while he was still unconscious.